FBI screen troops over fears of inside attack as Biden is sworn in

THE FBI is screening all 25,000 National Guard troops stationed in Washington DC for Joe Biden’s inauguration amid fears of an inside attack.

Investigators are running the names of soldiers through watchlists ahead of tomorrow’s event.

The FBI – and the Secret Service – are looking for any involvement in prior suspicious incidents or terrorism-related inquiries which would then be reported to commanding officers.

The vetting comes after the FBI warned law enforcement in all 50 states to be on alert for repeat attacks after the storming of the US Capitol – the seat of American democracy – earlier in the month.

President Donald Trump has strong support in law enforcement and the military and the fear is that some of his supporters may try one last desperate attempt to stop Presidentelect Biden being sworn in. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said: ‘We’re continually going through the process, and taking second, third looks at every one of the individuals assigned to this operation.’

Jittery officials put the Capitol building into a brief lockdown yesterday when smoke was seen drifting over its famous white dome.

Rehearsals for the inauguration were evacuated and people inside were told to stay away from doors and windows due to an ‘external threat’. However, the smoke was quickly attributed to a fire at a homeless camp half a mile away and the Capitol was re-opened.